Bee-fly Strepsipteran vs Large Dark Olive Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee-fly Strepsipteran Large Dark Olive Mayfly
Scientific Name Stylops ater Baetis rhodani
Order Strepsiptera Ephemeroptera
Family Stylopidae Baetidae
Size 2.0-3.5 mm (males) 6-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasites Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Bee-fly Strepsipteran

A dark-bodied strepsipteran that parasitizes Andrena mining bees in Europe. The triungulins actively seek out host bee larvae in nest cells.

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Did You Know?

Tiny first-instar larvae ride on flowers and grab onto visiting bees for transport back to the bee's nest.

Large Dark Olive Mayfly

The most common European mayfly, emerging year-round in many rivers. It is a small olive-brown species that serves as a staple food for stream fish.

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Did You Know?

This mayfly can produce up to three generations per year, making it available as fish food in every season.